S3 EP020: Study Case - Self Criticism Examples in Leadership: How to Overcome Your Harshest Critic
Thu Jan 15 2026
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Once upon a time, in a quiet barnyard, a little duckling hatched among his siblings. But unlike the others, he was different—bigger, awkward, and not quite fitting in. From the moment he emerged, he was met with rejection. The other animals mocked him, ridiculed him, and made him feel like he didn’t belong. No matter where he went—whether among wild ducks, geese, or even a kind old woman’s home—he never quite found acceptance.
Seasons passed, and after enduring loneliness, hardship, and relentless self-doubt, the duckling stumbled upon a flock of magnificent swans. Ready to accept his fate, he braced himself for yet another rejection. But instead, something incredible happened. The swans didn’t turn him away—they welcomed him. And as he looked into the lake’s reflection, he finally saw the truth: He was never an ugly duckling. He had been a swan all along.
Now, imagine spending your entire career believing you were something less than you truly are. What if you criticized yourself your whole life, convinced you were not good enough, only to discover you were actually a stunning swan?
This is the story of the global executive from this episode. Join me as we uncover the skills and insights that transformed an "ugly duckling" executive into a confident and thriving swan.
Chapter Markers:
00:00- Introduction
02:39 - Today's Story
10:28 - Today's Lesson
15:17 - Today’s Tips To Apply What You Learned
18:19 - Highlights
Extra Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ugly_Duckling
Resources:
This Episode Is Brought To You By: Coaching Expatriates®. A leading global executive development company that helps leaders around the world create happier and more profitable workplaces by learning The Global Leadership Pillars ™. An innovative leadership learning methodology. Visit their website at: www.coachingexpatriates.com
References & Contact
Leave Us An Audio Message: https://www.speakpipe.com/tatyfittipaldi Sign Up For The Global Leadership Weekly Newsletter: https://www.coachingexpatriates.com/subscribe Subscribe To This Podcast: https://www.theleadershipnest.com/subscribe Enroll In The Executive Course: https://promo.coachingexpatriates.com/Global/ Hire Taty As Your Executive Coach: https://www.coachingexpatriates.com/executive-coaching Contact: info@coachingexpatriates.com
➡️ The Global Leadership Pillars® Explainer: https://ww...
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Send us a text Once upon a time, in a quiet barnyard, a little duckling hatched among his siblings. But unlike the others, he was different—bigger, awkward, and not quite fitting in. From the moment he emerged, he was met with rejection. The other animals mocked him, ridiculed him, and made him feel like he didn’t belong. No matter where he went—whether among wild ducks, geese, or even a kind old woman’s home—he never quite found acceptance. Seasons passed, and after enduring loneliness, hardship, and relentless self-doubt, the duckling stumbled upon a flock of magnificent swans. Ready to accept his fate, he braced himself for yet another rejection. But instead, something incredible happened. The swans didn’t turn him away—they welcomed him. And as he looked into the lake’s reflection, he finally saw the truth: He was never an ugly duckling. He had been a swan all along. Now, imagine spending your entire career believing you were something less than you truly are. What if you criticized yourself your whole life, convinced you were not good enough, only to discover you were actually a stunning swan? This is the story of the global executive from this episode. Join me as we uncover the skills and insights that transformed an "ugly duckling" executive into a confident and thriving swan. Chapter Markers: 00:00- Introduction 02:39 - Today's Story 10:28 - Today's Lesson 15:17 - Today’s Tips To Apply What You Learned 18:19 - Highlights Extra Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ugly_Duckling Resources: This Episode Is Brought To You By: Coaching Expatriates®. A leading global executive development company that helps leaders around the world create happier and more profitable workplaces by learning The Global Leadership Pillars ™. An innovative leadership learning methodology. Visit their website at: www.coachingexpatriates.com References & Contact Leave Us An Audio Message: https://www.speakpipe.com/tatyfittipaldi Sign Up For The Global Leadership Weekly Newsletter: https://www.coachingexpatriates.com/subscribe Subscribe To This Podcast: https://www.theleadershipnest.com/subscribe Enroll In The Executive Course: https://promo.coachingexpatriates.com/Global/ Hire Taty As Your Executive Coach: https://www.coachingexpatriates.com/executive-coaching Contact: info@coachingexpatriates.com ➡️ The Global Leadership Pillars® Explainer: https://ww...